Daredevil Army medics are parachuted into the world’s most remote inhabited island to treat a suspected case of Hantavirus.
Medics were joined by soldiers from the elite Pathfinder unit in a historic mission to Tristan da Cunha on Saturday.
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The Defense Ministry said it was the first time medics had parachuted in to provide humanitarian aid in “exceptionally challenging” weather.
They jump into Tristan da Cunha after a 10,000km journey from Britain – as medical supplies, including oxygen, are dangerously low on the island.
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The Defense Ministry said the jump was “the only way to get critical care to the patient in time.”
It is believed to be the first operational jump other than covert Special Forces missions since the Suez Crisis in 1956.
The volcanic island is about 2800 km off the south-west coast of Africa and is normally only accessible by boat.
Brigadier Ed Cartwright, who commanded the operation, said it demonstrated “the speed, accessibility and utility of parachuting”.
This comes when ministers consider swing Reductions in forces, including potentially removing or reducing UK airborne forces.
Brigadier Cartwright, boss of 16 Air Assault Brigade, said: “The arrival of paratroopers, medical personnel and medical supplies Sky “Hopefully this has reassured the people of Tristan da Cunha.”
The island, located in the depths of the South Atlantic, has a population of only 221 people, including two doctors, and no airstrip.
Six soldiers and two medics jumped together from the rear ramp of an RAF A400M transportation plane.
They fled from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, approximately 10,000 km from Tristan da Cunha.
They flew 6,800 km to Ascension Island, the nearest settlement to Britain, then flew 3,000 km to Tristan da Cunha, deep in the South Atlantic.
The MoD said: “With oxygen supplies on the island at critical levels, the airdrop with medical personnel was the only way to get critical care to the patient in a timely manner.”
Armed Forces Al Carnes, a former Special Forces commando, said: “This was an extraordinary operation in incredibly challenging circumstances to get vital assistance to our citizens on Tristan da Cunha.”
He further said, “I would like to pay a huge tribute to our brave personnel for doing their job with utmost professionalism and composure even under pressure.”
The soldiers and medics were pulled from 16 Air Assault Bridge, home of the elite parachute regiment in Colchester, Essex.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “I am extremely grateful to the armed forces and RAF personnel who acted swiftly to get immediate medical attention to Tristan da Cunha.
“This extraordinary operation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to the people of our overseas territories and to British nationals, wherever they are.
He added: “The safety and well-being of all members of the British family is our first priority.”
The Ministry of Defense said: “Weather conditions in Tristan da Cunha can be exceptionally challenging, with average wind speeds often exceeding 25 mph, presenting difficult conditions for paratroopers.”
